How to play this job interview?

[wildcat45]

I am a freelancer having had a successful career I took a golden handshake a couple of years ago. It make sense at the time. I also run a business that I set up. Life is good and the business does not take all my time up. I was on a very lucrative freelance contract that will end shortly but because of my wife's career and being in a very lucky financial situation I don't have to work full-time.

However a full-time role has come up. Something that looks interesting that I am more than capable of doing. I thought, what the hell and put in an application.

I have been invited to an interview.

The guy doing the interview is not only my old boss from years ago - but a very good friend. Usher at my wedding, he knew my Dad and mum - coming to their funerals. When we were both single, we used to spend weekends away together drinking, giving it large etc, he knows my house, I know his. We don't see one another very often - maybe once a year since marriages and working in different companies got in the way.

He has had no direct contact with me. From what I gather, it is a big admin heave organisation and my application for interview will have been successful because I passed some sort of "points" test to week folks out.

I have had no direct contact from him - just a 3rd party email from a firm of head-hunters appointed to find staff.

For a start, I have not had a job interview for over a decade. I have never been interviewed by a mate before.

It’s no big deal if I don't get the role. I am in a very lucky position where I don't have to work full-time.

He knows this. He knows it isn't some sort of make or break for me. I also know he swings from being so by the book it is unbelievable to bending over backwards for people and breaking the rules when he wants something.

How shall I play it?

[condor]

I'd suggest phoning him - he might have a list of names to interview and not realise it's you. It might be against Company policy to interview friends/family and will give him the opportunity to suggest best course of action.
You are friends after all

[wildcat45]

From what I gather he will have a list and he will know it is me. Fairly distinctive name in a very close-knit industry.

I know he has interviewed mates - and ex staff - before. Half the team there went there from companies he used to work for.

This guy worked with me for 10 years. Really odd. We were talking about Chrismas about his "big plan" for his career there. I thought about sending him a text....."See you on Wednesday then."

I suppose addressing him with my inappropriate nick hame I have for him is out of the question.

Edited by wildcat45 on Monday 10th March 15:20

[Rude-boy]

If you are sure that he will know that it is you he is seeing then I would not call him up in advance as it can only lead to future issues.

I would go in there in exactly the same way as you would have if you knew you had met one of them in business before. No "Hiya Dogbreath, good to see you're back on your feet again after Saturday night. So what problems do you need me to sort out for you in this little set up?" But more "Hi Barry, good to see you again, " and move on to the next person.

Don't bother hiding that you know them but don't make anything of it so there is no feeling on either side that it has any real final impact unless it is you and one other and you are tied to that question...

As for the interview itself I would be relaxed. I'm here because I want to get stuck into doing x, y, and Z with you guys. I'm lucky enough in that I could get away without having to take another job but I like buying nice toys and this role looks like it will be really interesting and enable me to put all my experience and knowledge to use for the company. I can't think of anything worse than sitting in front of day time TV when I could be doing this.